Chapter 331: Seeing the Royal Castle for the First Time

I couldn’t help but be moved by the towering castle. It was a magnificent structure, hard to believe it was the residence of a Majesty who looks like he runs around the hills with a sword, or a Prime Minister whose wicked nature oozes from his very face. Ah, wait, Aperta doesn’t actually live here, does he?

“…Are you thinking something rude?”

“No, never such a thing…”

Pressed by His Majesty, whose intuition was as sharp as a wild beast, I respectfully replied, “Not at all.”

It really was a magnificent castle, though. The numerous spires were impressive, but above all, the profound solidness of the Royal Castle itself radiated an overwhelming presence. Incidentally, Panamera‘s castle design was supposed to be more elaborate, but it cannot beat this imposing gravity. The size of the castle is one factor, but above all, it must be the atmosphere that exudes history.

Indeed, buildings are best when they have that gravity and atmosphere that speaks of history. Depending on the era, there are rounded designs or designs so simple they seem rugged. My personal preference leans toward gorgeous structures adorned with rich decorations built during the golden age of an era, but I believe each style has its own charm that reflects its historical background.

“…Even so, it is a magnificent castle.”

I voiced that impression without any flattery, but His Majesty and Aperta looked at each other. Behind me, Panamera also blinked in surprise.

“Hmm, I am happy to hear you say that, but couldn’t you, Viscount Van, build a stronger, more robust castle? Since you have come all the way to the Royal Capital, I was actually thinking of having you improve the Royal Castle as well.”

“No! It would be presumptuous to remodel a castle this beautiful and full of emotion! Let us maintain this castle in its current form! This is its completed form!”

It seems His Majesty intended to make an outrageous request. I cannot forgive such crudeness, I thought, opposing him head-on for once. Reach him, these feelings of mine.

Perhaps my earnest plea worked, for His Majesty nodded several times and accepted my opinion.

“Is that so? Well, if Viscount Van, who excels at castle building, says so, then perhaps it is true.”

His Majesty muttered that and looked up at his own castle again. I wanted him to feel attachment to its majestic form. However, as I was thinking that, Aperta spoke to His Majesty with a wicked look on his face.

“…Your Majesty. Is there a possibility that Viscount Van is lying because he does not want to improve the castle?”

“Wh-What?”

With that single word from Aperta, His Majesty turned to me with an expression of shock.

“It is Lord Aperta‘s misunderstanding. Truly, an unmistakable misunderstanding. A magnificent misconception that one could be proud of anywhere.”

I appealed to His Majesty, putting my dissatisfaction on full display. Seeing this, Aperta bowed his head slightly before His Majesty could speak.

“…It seems it is the truth. I apologize. I wish to offer my deepest apologies for incurring Lord Van‘s displeasure.”

Unusually, Aperta spoke words of apology sincerely. Given his much higher position, this was likely the maximum level of apology Aperta could offer. Understanding that, I nodded reluctantly.

“Well, fine. I will settle for some delicious sweets.”

“That saves me. I am actually in the middle of preparing just that.”

Hearing my reply, Aperta answered as if relieved. At that, His Majesty smiled and shook his shoulders.

“I have seen a rare sight. Let us hold a luxurious banquet today that also serves as a celebration. I look forward to drinking while gazing at the dejected face of the black-hearted Prime Minister.”

“You appear plenty black-hearted yourself, Your Majesty.”

“Wahahaha! Your sarcasm lacks its usual edge! Now, everyone! I shall guide you through the supreme castle that Viscount Van praised! You may enter!”

Seeing Aperta‘s state, His Majesty walked ahead into the Royal Castle while laughing loudly. After gazing at his back resentfully, Aperta also proceeded toward the castle interior.

Watching the two go ahead accompanied by the Royal Guards, Panamera, who had been silent until then, brought her face close to mine and spoke.

“…Boy! That was amazing! This will soon become a rumor among the butlers and maids working in the castle. Lord Aperta‘s technique is magnificent.”

“Eh? Technique?”

When I tilted my head and raised a question mark at Panamera‘s words, she gave me a wry smile.

“Come to think of it, this is your first time in the Royal Capital. You should assume that the Royal Capital… especially the Royal Castle and the area in front of the castle gates, are exposed to numerous eyes and ears. Events here can reach the ears of lords protecting remote territories if things go poorly. After all, among the butlers and maids working in the Royal Castle, there are many third or fourth sons and daughters of nobles. Nobles who are ignored by His Majesty here will be looked down upon, while conversely, individuals whom His Majesty and the Prime Minister treat with care will have their evaluation greatly raised regardless of peerage.”

“Heeh, is that so?”

I wasn’t particularly happy to hear that my evaluation would rise. If anything, listening to Panamera‘s story made me think the Royal Capital is a hassle. Perhaps sensing that, Panamera laughed as if exhaling a breath and placed her hand on my back.

“In other words, it means that many sharp-eared nobles who had no relationship with you until now will become cooperative with you, Boy. You probably felt it during the previous war with the Kingdom of Yelenetta, but there are those who underestimate you due to your low rank and make unreasonable demands. It means such people will no longer be able to say anything to you. If anything, they might offer favors on their own accord or greet you with various rare items as souvenirs.”

“Ooh, I see! I should advertise that I like delicious things too!”

Souvenirs from each territory. My heart fluttered tremendously at those words. In my head, I am already listing the specialties of various regions. Seeing Van-kun’s profile like that, Panamera smiled, showing her teeth.

“…Their thinking is probably to make it easier for your opinions to pass on the battlefield in the future, but for you, Boy, the possibility of eating delicious things takes higher priority? You’re cute.”

Panamera said something quietly and giggled.

Eh? Could it be, she said Van-kun is cute?